Endocervical culture

Definition

Endocervical culture is a laboratory test that helps identify infection in the female genital tract.

Alternative Names

Vaginal culture; Female genital tract culture; Culture - cervix

How the Test is Performed

During a vaginal examination, the health care provider uses a swab to take samples of mucus and cells from the endocervix. This is the area around the opening of the uterus. The samples are sent to a lab. There, they are placed in a special dish (culture). They are then watched to see if bacteria, virus, or fungus grow. Further tests may be done to identify the specific organism and determine the best treatment.

How to Prepare for the Test

In the two days before the procedure:

Do not use creams or other medicines in the vagina.

Do not douche. (You should never douche. Douching can cause infections of the vagina or uterus.)

How the Test will Feel

You will feel some pressure from the speculum. This is an instrument inserted into the vagina to hold the area open so that the health care provider can view the cervix and collect the samples. There may be a slight cramping when the swab touches the cervix.

Revision

Last reviewed 9/30/2013 by Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Bellevue, Washington; Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Bethanne Black, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

Disclaimers

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition.

A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Call 911 for all medical emergencies.

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